Is it Advent yet?
It seems a bit unfair to have a favorite season of the church year, but mine might very well be Advent. No offense to the others, but it’s hard not to love the season that helps prepare your heart for Christmas. Over the last few years I have had a ton of fun developing activities to help families celebrate this season. This past year, we tried something new – Chrismon craft kits.Â
All about Chrismons
Chances are, if you’ve found your way to this blog post, you are already familiar with Chrismons. But just in case you’re not – or in case you would like to learn a bit more – here’s a bit of history. The name comes from a mash up of the words “Christ” and “Monogram,” and traditionally they have been ornaments of white and gold that depict a sign, symbol, or other depiction that points to Jesus. Their origin can be traced back to Ascension Lutheran Church in Virginia, which had their first Chrismon-decorated Christmas tree in 1957. Before that, this community recalls the tradition of handmaking ornaments out of leftover wrapping paper and ribbons – whatever materials they could afford – as early as 1940. Originally, Chrismons focused on one monogram, the Geek letters Chi and Rho (the first two letters in the Greek word for Christ).
Today, the Chrismon tradition has expanded to include dozens, if not hundreds, of signs and symbols for Christ which help us remember the story of salvation. If you are interested in making Chrismons in the traditional style, check out the DIY books from Ascension Lutheran.
Chrismon Craft Kits
I’ve long-loved the design of Chrismons, but styrofoam and sequins are not my mediums of choice. So I set out to put a modern twist on this much loved tradition. I’m still playing with ideas for the Chrismons we use in the sanctuary, but I came up with a fun DIY project for families to take home each week in Advent. I give you, the Chrismon Craft Kit.Â
What’s inside? Each kit contains a gold background shape (glittery, of course), a white forefront shape with pre-punched holes, a gold thread hanger, gold thread for embellishment, and a strip of glue dots. This particular Chrismon Kit is for the Agnus Dei or Lamb of God. The shapes were cut out by our trusty Cricut machine (which is probably my favorite big purchase item for our church), and the string and glue dot strips were pre-portioned by myself and our bookkeeper.Â
Each craft kit also comes with a devotional booklet. They’re two pages, and designed so that the cover pulls off with background info for parents and the inside has activities and instructions for the kids.
When it all comes together, you have a Beautiful Chrismon to hang on your Christmas tree! Stay tuned for more posts with downloadable content for the 3 Chrismons we made last year – The Ichthus Fish, the Tau Cross, and the Agnus Dei.
Which Chrismon symbols would you like to see turned into a family Chrismon Craft Kit?
Do you sell the craft kits? We are searching for kits to purchase for children/adults and can’t find any on the market.
I would like to purchase some of your craft kits to make for our Chrismon trees next year. Can you give me some information on this. Our WMU ladies want this as a project. Thanks.
Jane Duncan
Bethel Baptist Church
Do you sell these? I know someone who has always been in a church group making these but cannot this year because of covid-19 and is so upset about it.
I love this simple, beautiful idea that is so great for kids. I have been trying to make beaded Chrismon’s, but they are too hard for my kids to participate. Would you be willing to share your patterns and the booklets that go along?
Is there a kit with supplies and instructions for several / multiple Christmon ornaments that we may purchase? I am very interested in purchasing the kits for my three grandchildren. Thank you so very much.
How do I purchase the kits?
Do you sell the kits or finished oraments? Our church’s need replacing.